Parmesan Broth
You can make this recipe for Parmesan broth whenever you have an extra piece of Parmigiano Reggiano® cheese with rind in your cheese supply. Just remember that only Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can be used for making Parmesan broth. Other cheeses may have inedible substances added to their rind. The rind on Parmigiano Reggiano is completely edible and serves as a wonderful flavor enhancer. If you’re new to cooking with Parmesan in your soups like this Parmesan broth, you don’t yet know how delicious the cheese and rind become when they soften! After cooking, the soft rind can be chopped and added to soup, risotto, pasta sauce, or vegetables.

Store pieces of leftover Parmigiano Reggiano rind in a plastic bag in your freezer until you have enough to make Parmesan broth. Parmesan broth is perfect for a meatless soup or stew and in recipes that call for chicken broth. This Parmesan broth is also wonderful for making a simple risotto, and for making our Parmesan Cream Sauce. It adds amazing depth to both. Note: If you have a pressure cooker, follow the manufacturer’s directions for making broth and this Parmesan broth can be ready in less than an hour.
Servings Prep Time
8cups 10minutes
Cook Time
1 1/2hours
Servings Prep Time
8cups 10minutes
Cook Time
1 1/2hours
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot. When hot, add the onion, garlic, and fennel. Cook over moderate heat until the vegetables have softened and are beginning to brown. The more caramelized the vegetables are, the deeper the flavor of your broth will be.
  2. Add 2 quarts of water and the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a simmer and simmer for at least one hour, more if you have time. Strain the broth before use.
  3. Note: You can substitute leeks for the fennel in this recipe.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Parmesan Broth
Amount Per Serving
Calories 189 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 258mg 11%
Potassium 125mg 4%
Total Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 1g
Protein 12g 24%
Vitamin A 3%
Vitamin C 11%
Calcium 37%
Iron 2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.